After what seemed like a race between Kentucky and UConn, Rick Pitino swooped in under the cover of darkness (and a suitcase full of BodyArmor cash) to snag former Syracuse forward from the transfer portal.

Reports suggest Freeman might earn upwards of $3m to play for Pitino, who is coming off a Sweet 16 loss to Duke last month.

It will be interesting to see how this fit works. One one hand, Pitino allows a lot of offensive freedom and Freeman should be able to continue to showcase his offensive game for a Red Storm team losing Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins.

On the other hand, Pitino’s teams are expected to play fierce man-to-man defense with a lot of aggression on the perimeter on that end. Donnie did not display that intensity in two seasons with the Orange, but maybe a new start will unlock his potential on that side of the ball.

Freeman will immediately become a candidate to make pre-season All Big-East honors while his departure opens the door for Sadiq White to take over the starting PF spot for the Orange next season.